Bus

NJ Transit extends smart bus contract

The New Jersey Transit (NJ Transit) board authorized a $6 million contract amendment with Clever Devices Ltd., of Plainview, N.Y., for additional hardware, software and services related to smart bus implementation, building on the $22 million contract previously authorized by the board in February 2011 for the installation of smart bus equipment on approximately 1,040 transit, cruiser and articulated buses.

The contract amendment also leverages the current smart bus implementation to deploy additional enhanced features, equipment and software during the initial installation process that will enable NJ Transit to expedite the implementation of smart bus technology statewide and to do so more cost effectively.

The Clever Devices platform offers many operational and customer benefits, including automatic bus stop announcements, vehicle condition monitoring, passenger counting and real-time location reporting. The technology, together with an upcoming procurement for a new radio system, will ultimately enable NJ Transit to deliver real-time bus location and arrival information to any Web-enabled device, letting customers know when their bus is expected to arrive at their stop.

Included among the additional features provided through the contract amendment is the ability for buses to make external announcements to alert pedestrians of buses turning at intersections, which will greatly enhance safety.

NJ Transit is currently taking delivery of 1,145 new buses that are already equipped with smart bus technology provided by Clever Devices. The procurement of additional smart bus platforms for the remaining buses, along with the contract amendment for contracted bus routes, will enable NJ Transit's entire bus fleet to be equipped with this technology.

The installation of smart bus platforms is expected to be completed in two phases by the end of 2012, while delivery of the remainder of NJ Transit's new smart buses is expected to be completed in 2013.

The campaign is similar to the one developed for subways, with the focus on reminding passengers that avoiding certain behaviors can ensure a faster and more pleasant ride for everyone. Reminders include step aside to let others off first; remove your backpack; and don’t clip your nails on the bus.

While Founder Matt George is interested in connecting Capitol Hill, K Street and Dupont Circle, it’s not yet clear if those will be the neighborhoods Bridj starts with. The start-up is encouraging interested customers to request specific routes on its website

Des Moines Area Regional Transit's 60-foot low floor articulated buses will replace high-floor buses and include newly installed ramps, remanufactured power trains, transmissions, engines and brakes. It will also be equipped with two ADA compliant wheelchair lifts.